How interesting that both the Lewiston and Idaho Falls newspapers continue to trash legislators for their actions (or inactions) in the 2007 legislative session. These would be the same conservative legislators who are elected time after time by happy constituents who truly agree with their positions and votes.

Didn’t hear much complaining about the rookies, many of whom are just as conservative as the veterans. That is probably because most of the newcomers aren’t in leadership positions, so they didn’t have nearly as much power in influencing legislation.

No, the real targets are conservative stalwarts like Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, Rep. Lenore Barret, R-Challis, and Rep. JoAn Wood, R-Rigby. Between them they put the kibosh on the unconstitutional vote-by-mail scheme, retained the 1-mile limit on nearby residents who can comment on proposed confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s), and defended a tiny bit of freedom by refusing to increase fines for non-use of seat belts.

Then there was that recalcitrant House Revenue and Taxation committee who protected all Idahoans from new forms of taxation. They refused to reduce the 66.66% super majority required to vote in new community colleges, and to allow local option taxes for mass transit. Taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief, at least as far as these issues are concerned. Most Idahoans believe their taxes are high enough.

Yes, the likes of Marty Trillhaase believe that there can never be too much government spending (unless it’s for corrections). It therefore follows that they also believe there is no such thing as a tax that is too high (just as long as it’s skewed to hit middle and high income Idahoans the hardest).

As I read the dictionary, these Idaho pundits fit the definition of communists. Given their way, the government would own and control all means of production and every aspect of the economy so that all goods and services might be redistributed to every citizen, regardless of of their contribution to society.

It didn’t work in the USSR and it hasn’t worked in any other communist country, either. Socialism (or pre-communism) as practiced in Canada and many European countries is failing as well, as their productivity drops and government spending impoverishes the citizens.

Marty, wake up and recognize your fellow Idahoans. They are the ones who continue to vote for these legislative champions of freedom and the little guy. And, by the way, those are the same Idahoans who buy your newspaper and support its advertisers.

Yes, your “tempest in a teapot” controversy may win you awards from the self-important Idaho Press Club, but it doesn’t win you many friends, and it certainly can’t help your newspaper’s bottom line.

Oh, I almost forgot – thanks for printing and reprinting those great photos of Loertscher, Barrett and Wood, so that all their friends and neighbors can recognize them on the street and offer their heartfelt thanks for a job well done. Yes, I would buy a used car from any one of them.

And Marty, why doesn’t the paper print your picture?

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